The Kirishima azaleas are in full bloom on the approach to Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto Prefecture. The crimson flowers brightly color the stone-paved path, delighting worshippers.
The Kirishima azaleas are about 2.5 meters tall and estimated to be about 170 years old. They are designated as a natural monument of Nagaokakyo City. About 100 azaleas are planted in two rows along the approach, which stretches about 70 meters from east to west.
The fiery red of the azaleas is particularly striking in the sunny areas, and visitors gasped and took pictures, saying, "Wow, they're really crimson," and "Wow, they're so beautiful."
The chief priest of Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine said, "This year, like the plum and cherry blossoms, the flowering was a little late, but they are easily affected by temperature and weather, so we hope you will come and see them early."
